SANDAKAN: Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (FOSTER) will host the fifth edition of Sepilok Jazz this 4–5 September at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) Sepilok, reinforcing its status as one of Sabah’s premier cultural and eco-tourism events.
Now in its milestone year, the festival expects over 5,000 visitors – its largest audience to date – while continuing to support local entrepreneurs, emerging artistes, and youth talent.
Beyond entertainment, Sepilok Jazz promotes cultural exchange and conservation awareness, blending high-quality musical performances with environmental stewardship. Proceeds from ticket sales directly fund sea turtle protection on Libaran Island, contributing to the successful release of more than 45,000 sea turtles to date.
Alexander Yee, President of FOSTER, said: “At its core, Sepilok Jazz is designed to deliver more than entertainment. Proceeds from ticket sales are channelled into ongoing conservation work, contributing to the successful release of more than 45,000 sea turtles. By attending Sepilok Jazz, audiences become active contributors to conservation—transforming music appreciation into meaningful environmental action.”
The 2026 edition is headlined by acclaimed Malaysian artiste Shila Amzah, whose international recognition (including Asian Wave and I Am a Singer) and sold-out China tours underscore her cross-border appeal. Music director Cheong Kok Ann noted her participation reflects both artistic excellence and generosity in supporting conservation causes.
Alongside Shila Amzah, the festival features a curated line-up of Malaysian jazz musicians and international artistes from Italy, Indonesia, Singapore, and China – showcasing diverse styles from classic to fusion. This expansion cements Sepilok Jazz as a regional hub for artistic collaboration.
The festival’s growth has been progressive: the inaugural 2022 edition drew 150 guests; 2023 introduced music workshops; 2024 launched the Sepilok Jazz Academy and Bakat Sepilok Jazz with international judges; and 2025 attracted 115 contestants, including participants from Singapore and artistes from Korea, Germany, and Hungary.
Building on that momentum, the 5th edition’s Bakat Sepilok Jazz programme now attracts over 120 contestants nationwide, introduces Youth Ambassador Ivan Hii, and adds the FOSTER Annual Review plus a proposed Borneo Big Band Symposium in collaboration with the Jazz Association Youth Singapore.
The Sabah Tourism Board continues to support the festival, aligning with the state’s strategy to position itself as a premier eco-tourism destination. Held at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, the festival’s lush rainforest backdrop provides an immersive setting, where audiences experience music in harmony with nature.
By attending Sepilok Jazz, audiences become active contributors to conservation – demonstrating how a cultural event can drive environmental impact while elevating Malaysian talent on an international stage. The 2026 edition represents the festival’s most ambitious chapter yet, blending performance, education, youth development, and regional collaboration. – James Leong
Alexander Yee (5th from left), with Cheong (3rd right), Ivan Hii (4th right), local artiste Amado and other guests.
